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Listen to Bettina:
Let me share my own personal story as a breast cancer survivor and how I became interested in working with other cancer survivors and people who suffer from lymphedema... What patients say: I had headaches for many years due to a thickening of the meninges. My daughter suggested I try CranioSacral therapy. After a few treatments with Bettina the headaches were less painful and now they are gone – thanks! She is very helpful with all my health problems – weak legs, weak lower back, poor posture. I am busy making myself strong with the exercises she gave me and I’ve learned a lot about my body. I am very glad to be in the care of Bettina Neumann, she put me on the road to feeling better. - Anita J. The lymph drainage therapy has been very beneficial. I began coming twice per week for a month and the results are visible and my comfort level is greatly improved, especially in my hand. My energy has also increased as a result of the therapy. I plan to continue monthly therapy to keep a check on the lymphedema. I have learned more about the lymph system and how I can help my body heal itself with at-home self-therapy instructions. Bettina is knowledgeable and effective. - Constance T. Lymphedema ProgramWere you diagnosed with lymphedema?Have you noticed unusual swelling in an arm, leg, or other body part? Do you have a friend or family member with lymphedema or swelling? You may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, isolated, or embarrassed as you try to cope with this condition. You may have heard, "There is nothing to be done" or, "Just live with it". Are your activities hampered by your condition? You don't want to give up your work, your hobbies, or other activities you love and miss out on the fun you are used to enjoying. We assure you - you are not alone. There are many who feel the same way. We want you to know there is help. Having assistance to reduce the swelling, learning how to cope with lymphedema and how to empower yourself with techniques you can use at home to maintain and live well with this condition, can be liberating. Life can be fun again. If you have not already done so, please listen to Bettina's story of how she coped with her own recovery from cancer and the onset of lymphedema and how she empowered herself by going through a lymphedema program. A lymphedema program can be intense and requires motivation and inspiration. I know, though, how healing it is learning to take care of yourself and manage your symptoms. Never again hear: "You just have to live with it!"The medical community is learning more about lymphedema, but it is still not uncommon for medical healthcare providers to know only a little about lymphedema and its treatment. At-risk patients need to be taught about the risk of developing lymphedema as a result of life-saving cancer treatment.At Rising Sun Physical Therapy, we dedicate a great deal of time to educating the medical community, the public and health insurance companies about this condition. Our patients are the best advocates and help us to educate medical practitioners. We provide proven, effective lymphedema treatment. Our gold standard treatment program includes lymph drainage therapy, compression therapy, exercise and self-care. We have certified lymphedema specialists on staff who can help you decrease the symptoms and manage lymphedema. We recommend all of our lymphedema patients take care of their general, overall health in addition to participating in the treatment program. We encourage wholesome nutritional support, deep relaxation, journaling and professional emotional support. All of these techniques will help your lymphatic system stay healthier and support your deeper, inner healing-beyond physical health. Treatment of lymphedema includes the four components of complex decongestive physiotherapy:
During this initial visit your therapist will obtain your history and assess the condition of lymphedema symptoms. We will use this assessment to determine the best course of action, taking into account the size of the affected limb and the duration of the lymphedema. We will set therapeutic goals based on your needs and condition. The frequency of your treatments will depend on the evaluation results and status of your symptoms. The usual course of the lymphedema program at Rising Sun Physical Therapy is 3 stages. 
Stage I - The Intensive (Getting Relief)The purpose of Stage I is to reduce the symptoms of lymphedema. This is the most intense and difficult stage in the program. The good news is that it does get easier as you learn and become more familiar with the care.This stage may require daily treatment until the swelling is reduced to a baseline determined by you and your therapist. The number of treatments needed may be more or less, depending on the extent of your symptoms. This phase may last anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks. Subsequent visits after the initial evaluation will include manual lymph drainage, specialized bandaging, exercises, and beginning instruction in self-care and how your body works. Your therapist is available to answer any questions about your personalized treatment plan. We encourage you to bring someone with you to your treatment sessions. This could be a family member, friend, church member, a neighbor, or anyone you trust who is willing to be part of your self-care program and support you. We will teach you and your friend the self-care techniques to support your treatment program. By the end of the intensive therapy, your swelling or limb size will be reduced and you will both feel and move better. The feeling of "heaviness" will be lessened and your clothes will fit again. That is when we will measure and fit you for the appropriate compression garment, which you will wear from now on to control your swelling. Stage II - Supportive Care (Self-Care Instruction)During this stage, you will learn how to support and effectively care for the lymphedema symptoms. Treatment frequency during Stage II may reduce to twice, then once, per week, for 4 to 8 weeks.When you enter the supportive care the swelling has reduced considerably and you were fit for compression garments and have started to use them, but you are still unstable. At this point you need to become more comfortable with your self-care. During this stage you will continue with the lymph drainage therapy. You and your care support will be instructed in skin care specific to lymphedema, the do's and don'ts of your condition, and exercises. We will ensure that you know how to bandage your limb and how to use the compression garments appropriately. You will be instructed in how to maintain the reduced size of your limb so your self-care will be effective and keep the edema under control. At the end of stage II you'll graduate from physical therapy. You will be independent, capable of handling your own bandaging, compression therapy, lymph drainage therapy, exercise and skin care. At this point you'll move into stage III, long-term care and maintenance. 
Stage III - Maintenance (Long-Term Care)Long term maintenance of the results achieved during your intensive therapy is the key to well-being. In the maintenance phase you are expected to do daily self-care: compression, self-lymph drainage, exercise, and skin care. It is imperative to manage the swelling at all times to prevent regression.We recommend that you schedule periodic treatments with a certified lymphedema specialist in order to maintain your wellness and positive therapeutic results. Treatments during this stage will include lymph drainage therapy, re-evaluation for compression garment needs, and review of your self-care program. Our experience indicates that treatment monthly, or every other month, strongly improves self-care management among patients. Financial ResponsibilitiesThe actual cost of your treatment will depend on the extent of your condition, and it will be discussed at your first visit. Bandaging supplies and garments will be an additional charge.Medical insurance commonly covers the Intensive Care program for lymphedema until patients graduate from physical therapy services. Some insurance companies will cover treatments during the maintenance phase as well. We encourage you to check with your health insurance company and become familiar with your coverage for physical therapy. You will also want to learn about coverage for bandaging supplies and garments, as well as the maintenance phase treatments. Generally, for treatment to be covered by health insurance you must obtain a prescription from your medical doctor which includes the diagnosis, an order for evaluation and treatment of Physical Therapy and a current date. Prescription must be dated no more than 30 days prior to the date of your first appointment. If your insurance does not cover physical therapy, only covers partial cost of treatment, or you do not have insurance, you may take advantage of special package rates, including discounts for payment at the time of service to help finance the cost of your treatment. We are happy to discuss your options at your initial consultation. We sincerely look forward to helping you manage the symptoms of lymphedema for more comfort and a better quality of life. |
Rising Sun Physical Therapy
500 Sutter, Suite 512
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415)282-4083
rspt@risingsunpt.com
© 2007 Rising Sun Physical Therapy. All Rights Reserved.